Careers

Careers

Te Rūnanga is currently progressing substantial projects and other initiatives for Ngāti Tama’s growth and development.

These include enduring environmental programmes, a major roading partnership, employment and training opportunities and collaboration with other Taranaki iwi around common interests. In 2025, we presented our scholarships to uri and will continue to source as many job opportunities to whānau as we can.

Careers

PhD Scholarship Opportunity - Kiwi in Forestry
October 2, 2026

The University of Canterbury is offering a fully funded PhD opportunity, in close collaboration with Save the Kiwi, to investigate the effects of modern pine harvesting techniques on the movement of North Island brown kiwi. Save the Kiwi is leading the applied research project and will work closely with the successful PhD candidate throughout the field research, in partnership with the University of Canterbury, the Kiwi Recovery Group, and forestry industry partners.

Kiwi are often found in commercial forestry plantations, but little is known about how harvest operations affect them. You will have the opportunity to tag kiwi and track their movements before, during, and after harvest and use telemetry and advanced movement analytics to generate detailed spatial data. We hope to develop new methods for real-time monitoring of kiwi. By mapping spatial patterns of kiwi behavior, the research can pinpoint risks like territorial displacement or proximity to hazards during logging.

The ideal candidate for this PhD position will have experience gathering and processing geospatial data and a track record of conducting independent research (e.g. through having completed a masters research thesis). They will also have experience/interest in ornithology, animal behaviour, forestry management, and or landscape ecology.

Read more about the opportunity through the read more link below.

For any questions or clarifications, kindly reach out totineke@savethekiwi.nz.

Ngā mihi nui,
The Save the Kiwi team

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Category: Careers, Iwi news, Jobs
Mahi Opportunity - Te Pou Tari / Executive Assistant & Office Manager
September 9, 2026

We are seeking a skilled Te Pou Tari / Executive Assistant and Office Manager to provide high-quality executive, administrative and operational support across our organisation. This is an exciting opportunity to play an integral role in keeping our office running smoothly, supporting day-to-day operations and coordinating key kaupapa.

To view the role or apply, visit: SEEK – Te Pou Tari / EA & Office Manager (TRoNT) or email miaana@mao.co.nz

Know someone with the right skills and experience? Please share this opportunity with your whānau and networks.

Applications close: 30 September 2026

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Category: Careers, Iwi news, Jobs
MacDiarmid Institute Annual DiscoveryCamp 2027 - Applications Now Open!
August 11, 2026

The MacDiarmid Institute’s annual all-expenses paid DiscoveryCamp will run between 18th and 22nd January 2027 and will be held at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha - University of Canterbury.

The four-day, all-expenses-paid residential programme gives current Year 12 and Year 13 students the opportunity to learn about nanoscience through lectures and lab experience with MacDiarmid Institute investigators, as well as giving them a chance to experience University life for a few days. MacDiarmid Institute DiscoveryCamp - Te Tohu Huraina - is designed specifically for Māori and Pacific Island students in their final years of high school; the programme's aim is to enhance the students' science knowledge, inspire a love of discovery and help them carve out a career in science. Each summer we also offer DiscoveryCamp alumni the opportunity to gain further hands-on experience and knowledge in our MacDiarmid Institute labs.

Places are strictly limited and strongly contested

For more information and to apply head over to: https://www.macdiarmid.ac.nz/news-and-events/events/discoverycamp-2027/

Contact us: macdiarmidnano-discoverycamp@vuw.ac.nz

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Category: Careers, Iwi news
Technical Coordinator Pest Management Role
July 29, 2026

Protecting Te Taiao within the Mt Messenger Pest Management Area

He taonga te taiao, he taonga ngā uri whakatipu.

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Biodiversity & Pest Management Project Manager to join the Pest Management Area (PMA) Operations Leadership Team and help deliver landscape-scale pest management outcomes across the Mt Messenger area in northern Taranaki.

This is a unique opportunity for a Ngāti Tama uri, or someone committed to supporting the aspirations of Ngāti Tama, to contribute to the protection and restoration of indigenous biodiversity within an area of significant cultural and environmental importance.

About the Role

Working as part of the PMA Operations Leadership Team, you will help fulfil the pest management objectives across land included within the Mt Messenger Pest Management Area.

Initially employed through the Mt Messenger Alliance, this full-time role will transition to a commercial entity reporting directly to Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

The position combines strategic planning, project management, biodiversity monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and field operations. You will play a key role in ensuring effective, high-intensity pest control programmes that protect native species and ecosystems.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and coordinate monitoring programmes to assess pest control effectiveness and operational performance.
  • Procure and manage permits, licences, approvals, and authorities required for programme delivery.
  • Identify biodiversity hotspots and prioritise areas for pest management intervention.
  • Organise and participate in biodiversity outcome monitoring and reporting.
  • Investigate and trial innovative pest management techniques and technologies.
  • Act as Project Manager for the 1080 programme of work.
  • Liaise with the Department of Conservation (DOC), landowners, contractors, and stakeholders.
  • Support the delivery of effective landscape-scale pest management programmes.
  • Contribute to programme planning, reporting, and continuous improvement activities.
  • Undertake both field-based and office-based work as required.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for someone who has:

  • Experience in biodiversity management, pest management, conservation, or environmental project delivery.
  • Strong project management and organisational skills.
  • Knowledge of New Zealand's indigenous ecosystems and biosecurity challenges.
  • Experience working with contractors, agencies, iwi, and community stakeholders.
  • Excellent communication and relationship management skills.
  • A commitment to health, safety, environmental stewardship, and continuous improvement.
  • The ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

Why This Role Matters

This position contributes directly to the protection of native species, ngahere, waterways, and ecosystems within the rohe of Ngāti Tama. The successful applicant will help advance pest management outcomes that support the long-term health of the environment and future generations.

We strongly encourage applications from Ngāti Tama uri and others who value kaitiakitanga, environmental restoration, and community partnership.

Location

The project is based in Taranaki, and the successful applicant must be based in, or willing to relocate to, the region.

Join Us

This is an opportunity to be part of an ambitious programme that combines biodiversity protection, innovation, and partnership to create lasting environmental outcomes for Taranaki and future generations.

Ngā mihi | Kind regards

Déirdre Nagle

PMA Project Manager
+64 21 223 4696
MTMA Alliance
E  Deirdre.Nagle@mtma.co.nz

Category: Careers, Iwi news
Te Ara o Te Ata Project Expressions of Interest
July 27, 2026

Kia ora e te iwi,

Ngāti Tama Contractors - there are great opportunities available on the Te Ara o Te Ata (Mt Messenger By-Pass) Project for your consideration!

Calling for expressions of interest for upcoming mahi:

  • Grinding Vegetation (slash) and trees, including stumps into mulch
  • Cartage (30 - 40m³ trucks) of mulch
  • Vehicle access track maintenance (including culvert cleaning, drain maintenance and track re-conditioning)
  • Concrete placing

Contact brendon.crawford@mtma.co.nz to find out more information

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Category: Careers, Iwi news
2026 Ngāti Tama Scholarship Recipients
July 21, 2026

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Tama wishes to congratulate the following uri, who are recipients of the 2026 Ngāti Tama Scholarships. Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Tama received a strong number of applications and extends its best wishes to all uri currently undertaking study. We also encourage eligible uri to apply in the 2027 scholarship round.

Name

Institution

Jodie Simpson

University of Otago

Phoebe-Robyn Turner O’Carroll 

University of Auckland

Anataia White

University of Otago

Nicola White

Southern Institute of Technology

Polly-Anna Cooper

University of Auckland

Alyssa Mende

Western Institute of Technology Taranaki

Thomson Matuku

Massey University

Aliesha Thomson-Baker

University of Auckland

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Category: Careers, Iwi news, Scholarship
Exciting Opportunity for Taranaki Communities and/or Innovators: Pivot Award Applications Now Open
July 7, 2026

The Pivot Award – Premier Research-in-Action Award, a unique collaboration between the Bashford-Nicholls Trust and Massey University, is now accepting applications for its 2027 funding allocations. The fund supports the application of research, or research translation, projects that deliver impact in the region to help Taranaki communities, the agriculture sector and the environment thrive.

We are seeking innovative, collaborative proposals that realise the potential of the agriculture, horticulture, or veterinary sectors. A maximum of three projects will each receive funding of up to $35,000, aimed at supporting initiatives that make a real difference on the ground.

Whether you're working in agriculture, horticulture, animal and vet contexts, food industry, catchment-related work, regenerative agriculture, climate resilience, environmental projects related to rural land-use or with rural communities and their needs - this is your chance to bring your ideas to life...

To help find out if your idea is 'fit for fund' or to kickstart a partnership, join us for a Pivot Award Connections Workshop on Wed 15 July in either New Plymouth (10:00am-12:00pm) or Hāwera (1:30pm-3:30pm) — a fantastic opportunity to meet some of the Massey team, explore ideas, and spark collaborations.

If you would like to attend any of the workshops, please RSVP to Haifa Albostami: h.albostami@massey.ac.nz

For enquiries about connections in the region, please contact:

Eve Kawana-Brown: e.kawana-brown@massey.ac.nz

or Haifa Albostami: h.albostami@massey.ac.nz

Applications close September 10 – don’t miss out on this opportunity to grow something great for Taranaki!

Category: Careers, Iwi news
PMA Field Worker
July 7, 2026
Te Ara o Te Ata-Mt Messenger By-Pass Position Available

Are you passionate about conservation, enjoy working outdoors, and want to play a key role in protecting New Zealand’s unique environment?

We’re looking for a motivated PMA Field Worker to join our Pest Management Area (PMA) team. This hands-on role is ideal for someone who thrives in the field, enjoys problem-solving, and is committed to making a positive environmental impact.

✅ Install, maintain and service pest traps and bait stations
✅ Monitor pest activity using tracking tunnels, wax tags and cameras
✅ Deploy and monitor vertebrate toxic agents (VTAs)
✅ Lead field projects and support pest management operations
✅ Maintain equipment, vehicles, field huts and operational resources
✅ Record and manage pest management data accurately and securely
✅ Assist with training staff, contractors and Ngāti Tama personnel in pest management field skills
✅ Build positive relationships with landowners, contractors, partners and stakeholders
✅ Contribute innovative ideas to improve operations and outcomes
✅ Champion health, safety and biosecurity best practices

This role offers a unique opportunity to work across diverse landscapes, contribute to meaningful conservation outcomes, and be part of a dedicated team making a real difference for biodiversity and ecosystem health.

If you're self-motivated, physically fit, safety-conscious, and ready to take on a rewarding field-based role, we'd love to hear from you.

Join a supportive team where your skills, ideas and commitment will help protect our environment for future generations.

Apply now or contact us for more information – Deirdre.Nagle@mtma.co.nz

Category: Careers, Iwi news
PMA Field Worker & Administration
July 7, 2026
Te Ara o Te Ata-Mt Messenger By-Pass Position Available

Do you enjoy working outdoors, have strong organisational skills, and want to make a real difference in pest management and environmental protection?

We’re looking for a PMA Field Worker & Administration team member to support both field operations and administration within our Pest Management Area (PMA) programme.

✅ Install, service and monitor pest traps and bait stations
✅ Collect and manage field data using ArcGIS and other digital tools
✅ Assist with operational planning, reporting and documentation
✅ Conduct pest monitoring using tracking tunnels, cameras and wax tags
✅ Support health and safety compliance and biosecurity requirements
✅ Work as part of a dedicated team committed to continuous improvement and innovation

This is a varied role that combines hands-on fieldwork with office-based administration. You'll work closely with the PMA team, contribute to important environmental outcomes, and have opportunities to develop your skills, including training in ArcGIS and pest management operations.

If you're motivated, detail-oriented, comfortable working outdoors, and passionate about making a positive impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Competitive opportunity to work in a dynamic and supportive team environment.

Apply now or contact us for more information – Deirdre.Nagle@mtma.co.nz

Category: Careers, Iwi news
Govett-Brewster Art Gallery Pouako Ara Māori
June 15, 2026

Join Us at New Plymouth District Council!

Tūhono mai ki Te Kaunihera-ā-Rohe o Ngāmotu!

This is a permanent, part-time role (16 hours per week) for someone passionate about connecting tamariki, rangatahi and whānau with the arts through Te Ao Māori and Te Reo Māori.

 

Read more
Category: Careers, Iwi news, Jobs
Ngāti Tama Scholarships 2026
March 23, 2026
Scholarships open now!

The application period will end at 5pm on the 29th of April.

We welcome uri pursuing:

  • Undergraduate Studies
  • Post Graduate Studes
  • Trades Training
  • Apprenticeships

Please tick that you are registered with us. You will need to contact tamaregister@gmail.com for your registration number.

Other Requirements:

Proof of Bank Account

Academic Transcript

Letter of Acceptance

Registration Number

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Category: Careers, Community Stories, Iwi news, Jobs, Scholarship
Employment Opportunity: Pest Management Operations Coordinator
February 10, 2026

Are you passionate about protecting our taiao and want to support the pest management team in Parininihi? We invite whānau to join Te Ara o Te Ata – Mt Messenger Bypass project with Ngāti Tama.6

Read more
Category: Careers, Document Section, Iwi news, Jobs
Skipper Restricted Limits (SRL) Training & Vessel Compliance Opportunity Expression of Interest
November 18, 2025

Expression of Interest 2025

Skipper Restricted Limits (SRL) Training & Vessel Compliance Opportunity

Expressions of Interest opens Friday 21st Nov - Closes Friday 5th of Dec 2025

Read more
Category: Careers, Jobs

Jobs

Quick links
Address
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Tama
PO Box 143 Waitara
E: office@ngatitama.iwi.nz
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